We are now 2 weeks into the first session. Webinars and weekly independent study tasks are ongoing. Two more webinars in the followed by the in-person meeting September 5th-7th in Alamagordo. Registration links below.

The Core Advocacy Training is a 40-hour initial skills and knowledge training for advocates of domestic violence victims/survivors in New Mexico, funded by the Children Youth and Families Department. It is designed for new advocates; however, board members of advocacy organizations and all interested community members are welcome to attend (space allowing).

The structure of the Core Advocacy Training is NEW!

ONLINE WEB CLASSES: Prior to meeting in person, there will be four weeks of webinars, online discussions, and self-reflection exercises. This format will be used to digest content-heavy information in smaller pieces, and consist of approximately 18 hours of the training spread over 4 weeks. We will all meet online once a week for a live webinar and discussion of self-study assignments (recorded webinars, reading and self-reflection).

IN PERSON SKILLS INTENSIVE:
The in-person training is 3 days of skill-building, and will be highly interactive and experiential.

Dates:

Session 1 begins August 10 with web classes; the 3-day intensive will be held in Alamogordo September 5, 6, and 7Info & Registration

Session 2 begins October 5 with web classes; the 3-day intensive will be held in Albuquerque November 6, 7, and 8Info & Registration

The goals of the training are to leave participants with an understanding of:

The history of the domestic violence movement and theories of violence in intimate relationships, including the disproportionate amount of violence met on women by men;

The dynamics of domestic violence and tactics of abuse;

Trauma in the lives of victims and their children, and how it impacts behavior and functioning;

Secondary trauma and its effects in the lives of advocates;

The legal context of domestic abuse, including state and federal statutes, protection orders, civil and criminal justice systems, and jurisdiction on tribal lands;

The major cultural groups in New Mexico and the varying degrees of danger face by each;

Challenges and resources for immigrant victims of abuse;

The links between substance abuse and domestic violence;

Specific challenges faced by members of the LGBTQ community;

Child abuse and mandatory reporting;

The role and ethical guidelines of advocacy;

The importance of community partners and a coordinated response;

and Skills in:

Listening and connecting with clients;

Using a trauma lens to view difficult behaviors;

Crisis response, danger assessment, and safety planning in a variety of contexts;

Welcoming all people, including people with disabilities, deaf and hard of hearing clients, and clients with limited English proficiency,

Maintaining confidentiality and interacting with law enforcement;

De-escalating conflict;

Responding to children;

Practicing cultural competency;

Valuing and practicing self-care.

Questions: If you have any questions, please contact David River at david@nmcadv.org or (505) 22-6582.